The Dallas Mavericks fell to the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday by a final score of 137-120.

Mavericks fans are baffled by what is causing the slump the Mavericks seem to find themselves in. However, Tuesday night's game showed a glaring problem. The Dallas Mavericks are going to have to get better on the defensive side of the ball.

The Indiana Pacers finished the game with nine players scoring in double figures. Moreover, they allowed 18 made threes as well. This shows a massive area that needs improvement. This was a focal point that the Mavericks needed to focus on at the trade deadline, according to their fanbase. They have got to improve their perimeter defense.

Players like Josh Green and PJ Washington Jr have definitely stepped up in a big way defensively. Green is an impact player on defense with his energy level, and his ability to read the passing lanes. Washington Jr has been tasked several times with guarding the opposing team's best players, such as Victor Wembenyama and Kevin Durant. He showed what he can do Tuesday night by guarding Pascal Siakam, and holding him to only 13 points. He even had a very impressive sequence in the second quarter where he showed signs of why they went after him.

Dallas was led in scoring last night by none other than their superstar point guard Luka Doncic, who ended with a 39 point triple-double. PJ Washington Jr also contributed 20 points, along with 23 from Kyrie Irving.

The Mavericks have shown their ability to score with the best teams in the league. However, they are going to have to continue to improve defensively if they are going to make a run down the stretch.